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Comedian Shane Gillis returned toSaturday Night Live (SNL)nearly four and a half years after his controversial exit from the sketch comedy show. Gillis hosted the August 10, 2025 episode of the show and performed the show’s trademark host’s monologue. However, Gillis’ jokes were poorly received by the audience in the show and at home.
As a result, Gillis’ return became equally polarizing as his exit, as fans took to social media to bash the comedian. While most fans found Gillis’ monologue cringe-inducing, there have been other similar moments in the past that were arguably more appalling to the fans. Here is why fans were appalled by Gillis’ jokes and otherSNLmoments that were probably even more cringe.
Shane Gillis Controversy Explained: Why SNL Fired Comedian Only To Get Him Back as Host 4 Years Later
Shane Gillis’ Monologue Generates Crickets as Fans Shame Comedian onSNLReturn
Comedian Shane Gillis joined the cast ofSaturday Night Live (SNL)as a featured member in 2019. However, just a few days later Gillis wasfiredfrom the show after controversial clips from his podcast surfaced online. After nearly four and a half years, Gillis was invited back to the show as a host for season 49, episode 12.
During the episode, Gillis performed a monologue thatreportedlyreceived a poor response from the studio audience. Viewers took to social media to criticizeSNL‘s decision to allow Gillis to host the show. Here is what viewers said about Gillis’ monologue on X.
He’s not the slightest bit funny
— Lynne ⚖️🗽 (@HQReality)June 15, 2025
Shane Gillis might be the first person in history to be fired while doing an SNL monologue
— Franklin (@franklinisbored)June 20, 2025
2019: Shame on you, SNL.
2024: Shane on you, SNL.
— MVRDER (@MURDER_WITH_A_V)July 05, 2025
https://twitter.com/mostlymidwestrn/status/1761616951858614562
This man is garbage! Could’ve found someone else instead. There’s a very good reason he was fired. He sucks!
— Andy Hedden (@HeddenAndy517)August 16, 2025
As the tweets suggest, netizens found Gillis and his overall performance on the show appalling. Moreover, many X users felt Gillis defending his jokes in front of the audience was extremely cringe and criticized the comedian. However, some defended Gillis and pointed out he was simply nervous.
“I was so nervous”: Lindsay Lohan Walked of an SNL Set Because She Couldn’t Stop Staring at Jimmy Fallon
Beyond Shane Gillis’ Monologue, 6 CringeSNLMoments That Appalled Everyone
Although fans were generally unhappy with Shane Gillis and hisSNLperformance, this wasn’t the first time the show had managed to offend fans. While the show consistently walks a tightrope with its jokes, sometimes performers have crossed the line, leading to some truly cringe-worthy or problematic moments. Here are some of the top ones:
6Samuel L. Jackson Drops the F-Bomb
ActorSamuel L. Jacksonis known for delivering some profane dialog on-screen. However, when Jackson appeared onSNLin 2012, hedroppedthe F-bomb to everyone’s surprise. Jackson was a part of Kenan Thompson’sWhat’s Up With Thatsketch where the latter often interrupts celebrity guests. The frustration from Thompson’s interruptions forced Jackson to drop the F-bomb, shocking the primetime audience who did not expect such profanity fromSNL.
5Jimmy Fallon Impersonates Chris Rock
Jimmy Fallon might be known for his family-friendly image now but during hisSNLdays, he wasn’t immune to controversies. In 2000, Fallon impersonated comedian Chris Rock during a sketch. Fallon showed up dressed in full Blackface, sparking controversy. However, Fallon later apologized in atweetin 2020. Nonetheless, such type of humor has always made the audience uncomfortable, as was the case with Fallon’s Blackface incident.
4Katy Perry’sBon AppetitPerformance
Katy Perry might be one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century but even she managed to appallSNLviewers. In 2017, Perryappearedon the show and performed her new songBon Appetit. However, Perry delivered an unconvincing and uncoordinated dance routine. Perry appeared confused and zoned out while performing with featured artist Migos, resulting in one of the show’s cringiest moments.
3Bill Hader’s Down Syndrome Joke
Shane Gillis’ monologue featured a Down syndrome joke that left the audience stunned. However, Bill Hader made a similarly insensitive joke about serious conditions during a skit performed with Rainn Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, and Will Forte in 2007. While the skit in itself was not very offensive, the Down syndrome jokereportedlyreceived major backlash even back in the day, proving that some stuff never flies withSNLviewers, irrespective of the context.
2Donald Trump as Host
In 2015, Donald Trump was still a Presidential candidate when hehostedan episode of the show. However, Trump’s politics created a problem for the show as the decision to have him host received major backlash. Nonetheless,SNLwent ahead with the episode, resulting in one of the least liked and most despised episodes of the show. Thankfully,SNLredeemed itself by joking about Trump ever since.
Shane Gillis Isn’t the First Comedian To Make a Legendary Comeback After Being Exiled By SNL
1Kanye West’s Political Rant
If there is one person you’re able to always count on to make people uncomfortable, it isKanye West. Even before his controversial statements derailed his musical career, West was a divisive figure.SNLviewers got a glimpse of the same in 2016 when Westfollowedhis musical performance on the show with a political rant in favor of Trump. While the moment did not make it on-air, the studio audience was left jarred and appalled by West’s sudden rant.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
